Free Sewn with Joy by Tricia Goyer Page B

Joy glanced at the faces of the older gentlemen and saw more than one furrowed brow. It was clear that most people felt the same as the women at her sewing frolic. The atmosphere of the gathering turned icy despite the bright sunshine outside.
    The woman, Alicia, saw it too. Her smile slipped away and she pushed the man’s hand from her shoulder. “Maybe we should leave these wonderful people to their reunion. Didn’t you promise me pie? I see the sign for Me, Myself, and Pie just across the street.”
    Joy didn’t hear the man’s response. Instead, she felt the softest touch on her arm, and a cold chill traveled up. She looked to Matthew, and anger tightened his face into a scowl. Joy took a step back. She’d never seen him like that. Fear struck within her. A cold fear that cascaded over her, causing goose bumps to rise on her arms and her heart to lurch. He was angry with her. For what? For the interruption? For not telling him more about her interaction with the Englischer ? Maybe both.
    â€œThe other night?” Matthew mouthed only loud enough for her to hear.
    Joy didn’t want to explain. Not here, not now.
    She turned back to the Englischer . “I, uh, hope you enjoy your, uh, work in Pinecraft,” Joy commented, and then she glancedback over her shoulder in the direction of her cousins. “I’m going to help my cousins get settled in.”
    The smile on the man’s face faded. “Yes, of course.”
    Joy turned, wondering what to do, what to say. She hoped they weren’t going to say anything. Weren’t going to follow her. She also hoped Matthew wasn’t going to ask too many questions, especially about her giving the man directions.
    She moved to help Rosella with her suitcase, and when she turned around Matthew wasn’t following. He still wore an angry expression as he watched the man and woman strolling away. Joy released the handle to the suitcase and hurried back to Matthew. “I’m so sorry. I forgot you have to leave. I hope you enjoy your time at work.”
    â€œ Ja , danke .” His words were simple, and she missed the warm smile from earlier that day.
    â€œDo you think we can catch up after work?”
    â€œMaybe.” Matthew licked his dry lips. “I’ve taken an extra-long lunch. I might need to work late.”
    â€œI understand.” She resisted the urge to reach out and touch his arm, to reassure him. She resisted the urge to explain. He wouldn’t like it if she did.
    Rosella moved with slow, unobtrusive steps, clasping her hands together. “I think we’re ready.”
    â€œI’ll see you later then, Joy.” Matthew turned and walked back in the direction of his house, most likely to get his tools. He looked both sad and angry, even from behind.
    The bright summer sun overhead now seemed too overbearing. The ache of disappointing Matthew spread from her shoulders up her neck. Compounding it was the fact that her cousins and Mem had witnessed the whole thing. They not only saw herinteraction with the Englischers , but also Matthew’s reaction. I feel like such a fool. Why did I have to help them?
    Joy looked to her mother, and she noted curiosity there too. Mem walked by her side as they followed the two others with their suitcases.
    â€œWhy didn’t you tell me about the other night? About giving them directions?”
    â€œOh, I…well, there were so many other things to talk about,” Joy said. It was the truth, but the deeper truth was she was afraid of these very responses.
    Stupid, stupid. Joy’s fingers tightened around the handle of the suitcase that she pulled. Yes, it was good to help people, but she didn’t need to help everyone, especially not Englischers . The men in the truck would have eventually figured it out, she was certain. Or maybe someone else would have stepped forward to help. It was a small community, and everything people did came to